NFL Draft 2013: Teams Guaranteed to Reach with First-Round Pick

Sometimes, NFL teams are forced to reach on draft day in order to fill a significant hole on their roster.

The 2013 draft will be no different. Runs on key positions can, and will, happen—especially at the top of the first round. That forces teams’ hands into taking a player above their projected value.

Below, we’ll take a look at three teams that are needy in specific areas and may want to reach in order to get their guy early on.

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo needs a quarterback after ditching Ryan Fitzpatrick in the offseason. Sure, they signed free agent Kevin Kolb to a two-year deal. However, the veteran QB has yet to prove he can stay healthy or provide a franchise with quality starts when not sidelined.

The problem for the Bills is that this QB draft class is widely regarded as underwhelming at best. Would the new regime in Buffalo risk their necks by grabbing a QB with the eighth pick in the draft regardless?

We’ve seen it before. In 2011, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings reached for QBs Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder, respectively.

Buffalo has reportedly shown a lot of interest in former Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib throughout the pre-draft process, according to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio. Nassib or Matt Barkley—who Buffalo reportedly likes more than Nassib, according to Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller—could be ready to hear their names called during the top of the first round.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are currently negotiating with the Kansas City Chiefs for a deal that would net them left tackle Branden Albert, according to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star.

If that deal falls through, the Fins may be forced to draft or trade up for an offensive tackle. Jake Long signed a contract with the St. Louis Rams during the offseason, leaving sophomore offensive tackle Jonathan Martin as the team’s apparent starting left tackle.

The problem for Miami is who would be used as a bookend for Martin on the right side.

If no deal is done, the Dolphins will be in dangerous territory at No. 12 overall and potentially be forced to pick a right tackle with their selection.

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers have built a solid franchise almost exclusively by building their roster through the draft. Smart drafting is the mantra of GM Ted Thompson.

However, the Pack could uncharacteristically select a player above his value due to their team needs this year.

Green Bay should be coveting an every-down running back, presumably top-rated prospect Eddie Lacy, who will allow the Packers to remain balanced and lower their reliance on QB Aaron Rodgers. The Packers are at their best when balanced on offense.

Drafting a defensive lineman here would also fill a need and provide more value for the Pack. If they choose Lacy, or another overrated prospect, they will be reaching.

Mike is a league-wide NFL featured columnist and Breaking News Team writer with Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter for a NFL analysis and breaking sports news updates: